Saturday, November 19, 2011

More adventures on the way to Texas

Our stop at Wapakoneta, Oh. was uneventful.  The campground was very flat, open and not a CG I would stay at except as a way point on a trip.  Exactly what we needed.  Next morning we set off for DRV in Howe, In.  When we pulled in we found out we were the third unit there!  An Elite Suite that had been there 4 weeks getting problems fixed and a unit that had been on it's way to Florida when they had a fire in their electrical box!  Our changes and problems seemed like nothing in comparison.  We wanted an automatic fan put in the bathroom, the raised floor under the toilet cut off to eliminate stubbing your toe and our back up camera fixed and the furnace doesn't run. 

Monday morning at 6 AM there was a knock at the door!  Whoa, they start work this early??  Yep, the gentleman said, "Get up and ready and we'll take you in and go over your list".  Half hour later we were going in.  Our list was written down and we were told to come back about 2:30 PM.  Off we went to site see in Elkhart.

Spent the morning eating breakfst at Cracker Barrel then went to the Motor Home and RV Museum.  We both felt that this was very worth while visiting.  There are all kinds of campers from as early as 1905, with many from the 20's, 30's and 40's.  The brand new building was housing over 55 motor homes and campers inside.  We went to Shippshawana and went into a cheese store, meat store and then a farmer's clothing store  - just like home in Amish country - Lancaster,Pa.

Back to the factory at 2:30 and talked with Scott Hamilton about our unit.  Everything looked great!  Job well done Scott!  We wanted a See-level kit put in but he didn't have time so we go back onto the lot so that tomorrow we get it finished. The furnace problem was that the program mode was on and set for the wrong time!  Cleared the programs and it works great.

Tuesday we get up early so we are ready for the 6 AM knock.  At 6:15 our unit is inside, this time we are told to come back about 12:30.  We went down the road to the Howe Diner for breakfast.  At about 7:30 we get into the truck to go more site seeing.  Oh no - the check engine light is on!  Pulled over, got the manual out and found the "check engine light".  Take it to the dealer it says.  So we called the closest dealer, they can see us at 8:30.  They are about 25 miles away and did I mention - IT'S SO FOGGY YOU CAN'T SEE 200 FEET! 

So off we go at a real slow pace.  No scares and we arrive at the dealer at 8:15.  After checking in we are told to have a seat they will talk with us after it is on the computer.  About 8:45 the service manager says it is the thermostats and it will take 3 hours.  So ok go ahead and do it. 

About two hours later the service manager comes out and says that they can't get they lower thermostat out, the EGR bracket will not come off.  They will have to take out the radiator, remove the turbo and the exhaust pipe - maybe another 5 hours!  I asked if they have a loaner car - no, seems it was out.  So we are stuck in the customer service lounge.  Our cocker, Cory doesn't mind, he gets to greet all the customers or sleep. 

Finally at about 3:30 they tell us we are all finished.   And it's all covered UNDER WARRANTEE !  You who!

Back at the dealer we tell Scott we'll settle our bill tomorrow morning.  Off to sleep with the knowledge we don't have to get up at 6 AM.

About 8:30 I pay our bill and we are off to Scottsburg, Ind for our next night.

Arriving at Scottsburg, we are told it will get into the 20's tonight so no water.  We settle in and set the furnace on to stay warm. 

On Friday we get up to a very cold morning!  But good news is that by the time we get to Tuscaloosa, Al it will be in the mid 60's and getting warmer the whole week end.

More as we go farther south over the next couple of weeks.

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